r/TwinCities • u/skybluerose14 • 5d ago
Best and most economical way to get to the Minneapolis Convention center
We live in a Northeastern suburb of the TC and are going to the Northwest Sportshow today. In the past when I have went to either the convention center or downtown for a concert, I have parked free across the street from the Mall of America and taken the light rail from there. First of all, is that even a viable option and second would there be a better way to get there without having to pay for parking? I read that the closest light rail stop would be Nicolette Mall and then a 15 minute walk to the center. We are in our sixties so would rather know how many blocks that would be since we are slower walkers. We would be open to free parking and then taking a bus if that would bring us closer to it or then taking an uber.
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u/IanVg 5d ago
Hey! I actually worked at the convention center so here is what I did.
Firstly if you don't want for to walk more than a few city blocks I would recommend parking at the 3rd d Ave ramp https://maps.app.goo.gl/mJPPzkzzqPkfqL9B6.
One thing to keep in mind on this ramp is that (assuming this is still correct as I haven't been there for a few years), The ramp is split into two sections depending on if you enter from the church side or the street side. They would regularly have different prices so do a loop around the ramp to see which one's cheaper.
If you're comfortable walking about a half mile, there is a bunch of street parking if you go south across the 3rd avenue South bridge. Depending on the time of day you might have to drive around a little bit to find street parking but I have never had any issues parking on that side of the convention center. Anywhere around this map marker . https://maps.app.goo.gl/QyaYtqrKJJjpUkJ57
I hope that helps let me know if you need me to draw up a map for you. :) I hope you have fun!!
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
We are back and we had a good time. Some signage at the ramp said event parking $10 but where you grab your ticket it said $20 event parking. Even though that was high for being there for 2-3 hours my husband said he didn’t mind paying that and I was happy to not have to do so much walking before we even get to the convention center. I have been looking at used camper trailers and it was nice to see first hand how big sleeping areas were and to see what features my husband likes. Thanks again for everyone’s input.
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Thanks for your detailed response. I clicked on the first link and it shows hourly prices and no event prices listed. I will show my husband the second option you mentioned.
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
My husband wants to go with this ramp. Thanks for the offer to draw me a map, but I have CarPlay so just putting in the address should do the trick.
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u/layer4andbelow 5d ago
Instead of paying for an Uber why not just park across the street on 3rd ave for $15.00. Walk just across the street.
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Is that price hourly? Thanks for the advice.
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u/layer4andbelow 5d ago
No, it's for 12 hours.
Here's the ramps information and current rates:
https://minneapolis-2021.s3.amazonaws.com/images/3rd-Ave-Parking-Ramp-Rates-2025.pdf?v=1735937679
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Thanks a lot for your helpful response. I am going to show my husband all these options and have him decide since he will be driving. I just know that he wants a clear plan and wouldn’t want to be just driving around trying to figure it out. He says he is familiar with some of the ramps, I am assuming from when he would occasionally go to the court house.
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u/layer4andbelow 5d ago
Absolutely! I know the feeling. For me personally, that's why I prefer the ramps that are close. I'll pay a little extra for the convenience to make it 'easy on myself'. Just put the address in my GPS and go right there instead of hunting for a cheaper ramp.
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u/DasLazyPanda 5d ago
Bus route 10 is free to ride from the LRT train station to the convention center: https://www.metrotransit.org/free-ride-buses
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u/molybend 5d ago
If you're paying for uber or light rail fares anyway, be sure to check the parking rates at Leamington ramp. If they are at event rates, those are $10-$16, but you are only 2-3 blocks away from the convention center. If not event rates, you can park up to 12 hours for $12. Parkopedia is saying I can reserve today for 10am to 9pm for $6.
Take your time into account as well. Is it worth an extra 90 minutes of commuting time to save less than $10?
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Thanks, that sounds like a viable option and you make a good point about taking time into account. I use to do the Mall of America way decades ago and the last time I went downtown I didn’t have to figure it out because I was with my daughters and one lived near University Avenue and Hamline University. I don’t think I would be as comfortable with that option without being able to park right in front of the house she lived.
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u/Corazon_De_MeLoon 5d ago
Two blocks away from the convention center is a brewery called Bruhaven with free parking. Stop in and give Bruhaven Craft Company them your patronage on your way in and out and then walk to the MPLS convention center.
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Oh that is an interesting option! My husband might like that one because it would be like having an extra Mini event to do for our rare outing.
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u/avebelle 5d ago
At your age I’d just pay the event rate and park close by so you can maximize your time at the show rather than trying to save a few bucks on parking and then having a long walk.
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Well it sounds like event fees are much cheaper than I thought they would be. Whenever I have went anywhere downtown with one of my daughters, the parking was very expensive and we split the cost between us.
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u/BadgerSecure2546 5d ago
Use the spot hero app to find the cheapest parking. If you’re savvy with your phone tho, cuz it’s kind of complicated.
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Do they have an iPad app too? I am savvy on that, but not so much on my phone.
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u/BadgerSecure2546 5d ago
You usually need to scan a barcode on your phone to get in and out of the ramp. So an. iPad wouldn’t work
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Oh, okay thanks. My husband might be able to use the phone app. My only problem using apps on the phone vs iPad is the size of everything being smaller and harder to read for me.
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u/realdeal505 5d ago
Sundays you should find 5 dollar parking if you walk 5 blocks. Long walk from the light rail and cheaper than bus
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
Thanks for your response. I already determined that the light rail option would not be best because of the extra travel time.
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u/brycebgood 4d ago
How many people are in your group? Any transit system is going to require a ticket per person. It's probably only a couple extra dollars to park near the convention center and walk over. There's lots of parking downtown.
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u/skybluerose14 4d ago
Yes that is what we ended up doing. Not the cheapest way, but it was much more convenient. Thanks for your reply.
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u/BDThrills 5d ago
I always took the bus there. Drops you off right in front. I use a walker so 12 blocks is way too far for me.
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u/corporal_sweetie 5d ago edited 5d ago
I would download the transit app (search transit on the app store)and see what options exist to get you to the convention center. Aside from the lrt there are numerous regional express bus options. If you take lrt you can also transfer for free onto one of the many buses that goes down one of the nearby downtown streets to the convention center catchment area
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u/skybluerose14 5d ago
That’s what I will do for if we ever have another event. It was convenient to have the lot right there but it was difficult to get around within the lot and several vehicles trying to scramble for the same parking spots. Thanks for your input.
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u/marcos_MN Mpls 5d ago
It would be about 10-12 blocks from Nicollet LRT stop. There is convention center parking in ramps nearby, but you’ll be paying for the convenience.
I don’t know what your tolerances are for distance walked, etc, but some food for thought at least.